Beach Wedding Info

Breathtaking scenery, picturesque beaches, and spectacular sunsets create the perfect backdrop for remarkable moments and unforgettable Georgia beach weddings here along our stretch of the Georgia Coast. If your heart is set on saying ‘I do’ with your toes in the sand or you’re looking to celebrate at a beachfront venue, you’ll find waves of options across the Golden Isles.

Start planning your dream wedding with this Georgia wedding info.

Permits and Reservations

Those drawn to the allure of the sea will be pleased to know that all of Georgia’s beaches are public and no permits, including photography permits, are required for those wishing to host a beach wedding. If you choose to marry on a public beach, note that you may have onlookers and that public pathways and parking lots cannot be obstructed. There may also be additional information or reservations required based on the area you are interested in, so it’s best to check directly with the local parks department.

Top Beach Wedding Locations in the Golden Isles

Jekyll Island

With 10 miles of beach, striking natural beauty, and rich history, Jekyll Island is a popular destination for both travelers and couples. Here you’ll find one of the most romantic wedding locations along the coast, Driftwood Beach, as well as other oceanfront venues and pavilions. Jekyll Island weddings are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Code Enforcer at (912) 602-4581.

St. Simons Island

During the wedding planning process you may also explore St. Simons Island, which has two stunning white-sand beaches. One of these is East Beach, a popular wedding location and home to a historic Coast Guard station. While reservations are not required, couples are encouraged to review regulations regarding hosting outdoor events in the area.

Weather and Tides

With a calm ocean breeze and temperatures averaging 68 degrees, the Golden Isles’ mild climate makes Georgia beach weddings a possibility year-round, although April-May and September-November are often the most popular months for outdoor celebrations. July and August are considered the hottest months—we recommend couples take sun exposure into consideration when scheduling an outdoor ceremony in the summer. December and January are the coolest months.

Four daily tides, two high and two low, play an enormous part in the coastal landscape and in timing a Georgia beach wedding. There is a wide, exposed shoreline during low tide—providing plenty of space for ceremony setup and photos. There is also minimal breeze during low tide, which is preferred for outdoor photo sessions. Alternatively, high tide ushers in a steady breeze and offers limited beach area. These tides can vary by up to 8 feet, so make sure to review tide charts as you look at specific wedding dates. Golden Isles tide charts and tables are readily available at no charge from marinas, hardware stores, and many other retailers throughout the area.

Beach Wedding Attire

When planning attire for a Georgia beach wedding, consider both the weather and venue. Light, breathable fabrics in light colors are recommended to keep cool in the warmer summer months while light jackets and shawls are recommended for evenings and in fall and winter. If you’ll be directly on the sand, avoid high heels or shoes that may be difficult to walk in and instead consider strapped sandals or forego shoes altogether. The elements may also play a part in deciding what to wear, take the wind into account when deciding on dresses with long trains, veils, and other accessories.

Marriage Licenses

In the excitement of the big day, don’t forget about your marriage license, which you will need on your wedding day. It is recommended that couples begin this process of obtaining a marriage license 3-4 weeks in advance and the license itself is valid for up to six months prior to your wedding. You can download an application online and apply for your marriage license through the Glynn County Probate Court.

Learn more about Golden Isles weddings or request more information about beach weddings.